Houston announces critic responsibilities

November 07, 2018 at 11:15 am

Houston, the MLA for Pictou East, was elected leader at a convention held October 26 and 27.

“I’m proud to lead such a strong team of motivated MLA’s,” Houston said. “Our role is to hold the Liberals to account and also put forward solutions that will make life easier for people in our province.”

In addition to being the Leader of the Official Opposition, Houston will be the critic for the Premier’s Office, Executive Council, Intergovernmental Affairs and the departments of Business and Immigration.

The Honourable Pat Dunn, MLA for Pictou Centre and Deputy Leader, takes on responsibility for the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal. He will also be a member of the Standing Committee on Economic Development.

Northside-Westmount MLA Eddie Orrell, returns to the role of critic for the Department of Labour and Advanced Education and becomes the new Chair of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Sydney River-Mira-Louisbourg MLA, the Honourable Alfie MacLeod becomes the critic for the Department of Community Services, Aboriginal Affairs and Military relations. He will sit as a member of the Veterans’ Affairs committee.

Karla MacFarlane, MLA Pictou West, returns to the position Caucus Chair that she vacated while acting as Interim Leader and takes on the roles of critic for the Department of Health and Wellness and the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. She will be a member of the new Standing Committee on Health when it is constituted.

Inverness MLA Allan MacMaster is the critic for Finance and Treasury Board as well as the departments of Gaelic Affairs and Energy and Mines. He will sit as a member of the Standing Committee on Assembly Matters.

Kim Masland, MLA Queens-Shelburne, was named the Caucus Whip and is the critic for the Department of Education. She is also a member of the Standing Committee on Veterans’ Affairs.

The Honourable Chris d’Entremont, MLA for Argyle-Barrington and House Leader, is the critic for Internal Services, Communications Nova Scotia, Elections Act and Acadian Affairs. He is also a member of the standing committees on Assembly Matters and Internal Affairs.

Dartmouth East MLA Tim Halman is the new critic for the Attorney General, the Department of Justice and Nova Scotia Lands. Halman will become a member of the Standing Committee on Public Accounts.

Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin takes on responsibilities for the Department of Municipal Affairs and the Emergency Management Office. She will also be a member of the Standing Committee on Economic Development.

John Lohr, the MLA for Kings North, has been tasked with the new role of critic for Addictions and Mental Health Services. He will also sit on the standing committees for Law Amendments and Private and Local Bills.

Victoria-The Lakes MLA Keith Bain is the Deputy Caucus Whip and the critic for Fisheries and Aquaculture and Labour Relations. He is also a member of the Standing Committee on Community Services.

Barbara Adams, who represents the constituency of Cole Harbour-Eastern Passage, is the new Deputy Caucus Chair and the critic for the Department of Communities, Culture and Heritage and Seniors. She will be a member of the Standing Committee on Health.

Alana Paon, the MLA for Cape Breton-Richmond, is the new critic for the Department of Agriculture, Youth and Tourism Nova Scotia. She will continue as a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources.

The MLA for Sackville-Beaver Bank, Brad Johns, is the critic for the departments of Environment and African Nova Scotia Affairs. In addition, Johns will take on the role of Deputy House Leader. He will remain a member of the Standing Committee on Human Resources.

Cumberland South MLA Tory Rushton is the new critic for Lands and Forestry. He will also sit on the standing committees for Law Amendments and Private and Local Bills.

Larry Harrison, MLA for Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, is the critic for the Public Service Commission. He is also a member of the Standing Committee on Community Services.